Is There a Nebraska Stimulus Check Coming in 2024?

While a Nebraska stimulus check may seem like a lifeline when you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, it’s only a temporary solution. If you’re facing financial hardship, we recommend you check your eligibility for federal assistance programs like SNAP, unemployment benefits, Social Security, and rental assistance.

If you need tax relief, we recommend claiming federal and state tax credits. Read on to learn more about how these credits can help, how to qualify, and how much credit you can get.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for Nebraska?

There’s no new Nebraska stimulus check for 2024. Other than the three Economic Impact Payments issued during the coronavirus pandemic, there are no plans for additional IRS stimulus checks.

The provisions made under the American Rescue Plan and the CARES Act have expired. However, you still have until April 15, 2025, to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Nebraska Stimulus Check 2024

Nebraska doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC). Sen. Danielle Conrad (D) introduced a bill that would provide eligible Nebraskan families a refundable credit of up to $1,000/child in 2023. The bill has not passed yet.  

However, you can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC).

“Even though there is no stimulus check, always work with a tax professional to make sure you get all the deductions you can to save money,” advises Teresa Dodson, a debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting.

How do Nebraska Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits directly decrease your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Federal and state governments use these credits to offer relief to low-income taxpayers. However, it's important to note that tax credits are distinct from stimulus programs for seniors or low-income individuals.

There are two types of tax credits: refundable and nonrefundable. Nonrefundable credits only reduce your tax liability to zero, with no surplus refunded to you. Refundable credits, on the other hand, can reduce your tax liability to zero, and any remaining amount will be issued to you as a direct deposit or check.

Who Is Eligible for Nebraska’s Stimulus Checks?

All Nebraska taxpayers who qualify for the federal EITC are automatically eligible for the state credit. You’ll need to meet these basic eligibility requirements to qualify for the federal ETIC:

• You must have an earned income of less than $63,398 during the tax year.
• Your investment income for 2023 should not exceed $11,000.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien in 2023.
• You must have a valid Social Security number.
• You must not file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income.

You must also meet these earned income and adjusted gross income limits set by the IRS:

• No qualifying children: $17,640 (single, head of household, widowed) $24,210 (married filing jointly)
• 1 qualifying child: $46,560 (single, head of household, widowed) $53,120 (married filing jointly)
• 2 qualifying children: $52,918 (single, head of household, widowed) $59,478 (married filing jointly)
• 3 or more qualifying children: $56,838 (single, head of household, widowed) $63,398 (married filing jointly)

You must be eligible for the federal CDCTC to claim the Nebraska CDCTC. You’re eligible for this credit if you paid child support or dependent expenses necessary for employment.

How Much Do You Receive and When

The Nebraska EITC is fully refundable and is 10% of the federal credit.

The Nebraska CDCTC is calculated as a percentage of the federal credit and will vary based on your earned income, as listed below:

• $22,000 to $22,999: 90%
• $23,000 to $23,999: 80%
• $24,000 to $24,999: 70%
• $25,000 to $25,999: 60%
• $26,000 to $26,999: 50%
• $27,000 to $27,999: 40%
• $28,000 to $28,999: 30%
• More than $29,000: 25% (non-refundable)

Nebraska’s Child Care Tax Credit Act has introduced two separate credits for tax year beginning on or after January 1, 2024. The refundable portion of the credit is based on the legal guardian or parent’s total household income:

• $2,000/dependent child: Household income of $75,000 or below
• $1,000/dependent child: Household income of $75,000 to $150,000
• No credit: Household income over $150,000

How To Track the Status of Your Nebraska Stimulus Checks

You won’t get a separate Nebraska stimulus check when you claim tax credits. The credits are applied to your tax bill, and if you’re eligible, you’ll receive a refund in your bank account or through a paper check.

It takes the Nebraska Department of Revenue up to 30 days to process e-filed returns and three months to process paper returns. You can check your income tax refund status online.

How To Apply for Nebraska’s Stimulus Checks

You need to file your state income tax returns to claim state-level tax credits. A tax preparation professional can help you identify credits you qualify for and claim them to maximize your refund amount.

If you’re a low-income taxpayer and need help filing your federal and state taxes, check to see if you qualify for the IRS’s free tax prep services like VITA, TCE, and Free File.

Get Financial Assistance in Nebraska

There are no Nebraska stimulus checks coming in 2024, but federal and state tax credits can provide temporary relief. Check to see which credits you qualify for.

If you’re finding it difficult to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare, we recommend filling out the questionnaire on Benefit Finder to get a list of benefit programs for which you qualify. You may also be able to get help from local nonprofits and local governments.

Visit our Kansas stimulus checks, South Dakota stimulus checks, and Wyoming stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.